Pitt hoops to play Penn State in the Palestra in Philly

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While another season goes by without a matchup on a football field, there will be a second straight year of Pitt facing Penn State in men’s basketball.

The schools will meet in Philadelphia on Sunday, November 8 in the iconic Palestra, in celebration of its 100^th Anniversary. The time of the game has yet to be announced.

"Every basketball player and coach in this country understands the significance of playing at the Palestra," Pitt Head Coach Jeff Capel said in a statement released by the University. "It's one of the great venues in the history of the sport, and to play Penn State there in its 100th Anniversary year is a truly unique opportunity. Our players will be walking into a building with a century of history behind it, and after the atmosphere we saw in Hershey last year, I can't wait to see the energy our fans bring to a place like the Palestra."

"Games like this are what college basketball is all about: great history, passionate fan bases and high-level competition," Penn State Head Coach Mike Rhoades said in the same news release. "The Palestra is one of the most iconic venues in college basketball, and the opportunity to celebrate its 100th anniversary while renewing an in-state rivalry for the 150th time makes this a special event for everyone connected to our program. We know there will be tremendous energy in the building, and we're excited for our players to experience that atmosphere as they represent Penn State. We can't wait to take the floor in Philadelphia and compete."

Last December the schools met in Hershey in maybe the most impressive win for the Panthers all season, an 80-46 decision. Pitt shot 50 percent from the floor and from three, were a plus 11 rebounding and committed only nine turnovers.

This is also the 150^th meeting between the Panthers and Nittany Lions in basketball, Penn State leads the series 76-73. Pitt’s last game at the Palestra was November 25, 2011 beating Penn 78-58.